The United States and South Korea are discussing a wide range of military issues, including missile defense, but no consultations are under way about the controversial THAAD system, the Pentagon press secretary said Friday.

"We discuss a wide range of military missions and capabilities with our allies there. Some of those do include -- they would have to, of course, include the idea of missile defense. But there's no formal consultations on THAAD," Rear Adm. John Kirby said at a regular briefing.

THAAD refers to the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system.

The possibility of the U.S. deploying a THAAD battery in South Korea has been the focus of attention in Seoul because such a deployment is seen by critics as part of a broader U.S. attempt to get the Asian ally to join its missile defense system.

The deployment could inflame tensions with China and Russia because they see the move as a threat to their security interests.

The two countries have repeatedly expressed concern and opposition at such a possibility in recent months.

Kirby said earlier this week that THAAD is an important capability and constant discussions take place about it with allies, including South Korea. The remark had briefly raised speculation the two sides are in talks about bringing the system to South Korea, but officials have since flatly dismissed the speculation. (Yonhap)